Echoes of Insurrection by TA White

I received an Advance Reader Copy of the Audiobook in exchange for this honest review.

I have been doing a reread of the Firebird series because it has become the stick by which I measure all other space operas against. TA White manages to include all my favorite things in one series:

• A compelling, flawed, ethical and gritty female main character
• A found family full of people who are similarly flawed - all deep, interesting characters that feel like fully fleshed out people
• Exploration of what it means to live, fight for what is right, and love others
• World building that straddles the familiar and unfamiliar with villains, magic and plots that are literally earth shattering

Book six in this series, Echoes of Insurrection, starts off with a bang. Picking up where book five left off, it manages to introduce new aspects to the Tuann society, while playing on weaknesses and tendencies hinted to in previous books. Kira has accepted her place in this society and is exposed to more in a way that feels both fitting and organic. The books plot is winding, taking you from familiar settings and into new worlds that have never been explored before. There are familiar characters in new situations and new interesting characters added. I especially like how White slowly reveals more lore without it feeling tacked on or newly made up. It all lines up with hints that have been there all along.

I first read this book when it was published back in January. While listening to the audio book, I appreciated a plot point I hadn't noted before. There is strife in the romantic relationship in this book. It's a place where many authors would have had a break up. Instead, White has her character stay true to who they are, steadfast and invested in each other, and has them find a way. I love how listening to a book, even one you've read before, helps to shed light on things you may have missed the first time around.

Soudek, who voiced the other audio books, is superb in book six. She does an excellent job breathing life into Kira and her friends. I particularly enjoy how she voices Jin. He’s so pugnacious and borderline snide. She really captures his personality.

Listening to book five right before picking up book six, the voice acting is consistent. Soudek doesn't miss a beat, even though it's been two years since the last audio book was published. I was so impressed!

All in all, I’d recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of space operas, strong and flawed female characters, found family and political intrigue. This series is particularly fun for the way it straddles speculative science fiction and fantasy. There is also a healthy dose of romance and deepening of relationships established in previous books.